Defamation suit against Indian-origin Canadian MP

Chandigarh, Nov 27 (IANS) A man in Punjab Saturday filed a defamation suit against Canadian MP Ujjal Dosanjh for hurting the sentiments of Sikh community by calling the second and third-generation Sikhs settled in Canada “pro-Khalistani”.

In his plea, the petitioner, Canada-born Avtar Singh requested the court to summon Indian-origin Dosanjh, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, to give his clarification on this issue.

The court of chief judicial magistrate Jasbir Singh Sidhu has fixed the hearing Dec 10 and directed the complainant to submit the evidence.

Twenty-five year-old Avtar Singh, who is currently staying in the neighbouring Mohali town, said: “During a press conference in September here, Dosanjh had cautioned the Canadian government about the second and third generation Sikh immigrants, alleging that Sikh youths in Canada were propagating the principles of Khalistan.”

“He has defamed the image of Sikh youths living in Canada and abroad by giving this statement. It is very unfortunate that Dosanjh, who had a major portion of his voters belonging to Sikh community, indulged in such vilification campaign against the members of Sikh community for the sake of publicity,” he added.